Interpreting the Lovers Tarot Card

An introduction to the meaning of the Lovers tarot card

The Lovers tarot card is saturated with passion, desire, attraction, sexuality, and of course, love. Inhabiting a realm of their own, the Lovers feed off one another's energy in a union characterized by intensity, infatuation, and a commitment of both the soul and mind. The power of this allegiance transcends the individual and uplifts and unites both parties under a higher purpose: love for the sake of love. The Lovers most often symbolize a romantic partnership, however, passion and desire can also be associated with the beginning of other types of relationships, or simply the emotions aroused when new opportunities appear irresistible.

In any commitment, compromise and surrender are required if a stable and healthy future is desired, and the Lovers understand this, removing all defences and insecurities which are replaced by the strength and the security of true love. The Lovers do not allow themselves to be entirely consumed by the depths of love, for true love positions emotion and logic in a harmonious balance, directing the soul under love, rather than taking it hostage.

This balance also relates to the equal representation of both masculine and feminine energies, retaining the associations of passion with the male sign and intuition with the female sign. The Lovers are a perfect combination of these opposing elements, the masculine force igniting the flames of longing and affection at the core of love, while the feminine counterpart brings a sense of awareness and clarity to direct the relationship smoothly forward. The Lovers are thus equipped with a power that is pure and well-intended, shared and equal, enlightening and never restrictive, and avoids destructiveness by focusing and aligning the intensity of passion and desire toward a common purpose. The irrationality of love is equalized with the wisdom that emotion must be focused if it is to be effective and flourish with longevity, and so the Lovers represent this fragile state, existing between, but also embracing the extremes of human nature.

Reminder:
The meaning of the Lovers tarot card is influenced by the position of the card
as it is drawn from the deck, the position it occupies in the card
layout, and by the cards that are positioned before and after it.

The Lovers tarot card - upright meaning:
When the Lovers card lands in the upright position it usually foretells a new love interest or the revitalization of an existing relationship; however, depending on the surrounding cards, it may convey the need to make an important partnership choice.

The Lovers tarot card - reversed meaning:
When the Lovers card is in the upside-down/reversed position it forewarns the need to use extreme caution regarding any new relationships. This position may also indicate a current distressed relationship.